Ear Injury Caused by Elevated Intratympanic Pressure During General Anaesthesia

Abstract
Two cases of middle-ear injury, due to sharp fluctuations of intratympanic pressure due to general nitrous oxide anesthesia are presented. A study is reported indicating that the degree of these fluctuations is a function of the concentration of nitrous oxide. To reduce the risk of middle-ear injury due to nitrous oxide anesthesia, the lowest concentration feasible should be used where there is a patient history of previous ear surgery.

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